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Chimney Park Restaurant and Bar and a local business teamed up and raised $24,000 in one night for local food banks on May 1.

Chimney Park owner and chef Jason Shaeffer said in a news release 20 attendees donated at least $1,000 each to participate in the multi-course dinner.

The costs of the food and wine for “Venez m’aider” were underwritten, thus producing a $24,000 net donation to the Weld and Larimer communities food banks, said Shaeffer, who added that “Venez m’aider” is French for mayday or “come help me.”

It was Chimney Park’s third annual fundraising event to support Weld and Larimer county food banks.

Shaeffer said the dinner was a not-for-profit event as the entire staff and restaurant donated labor, resources and product for the dinner (with a bit of underwriting support).

Shaeffer said featured wines were pre-chosen during a March taste-off by some of the best palates in northern Colorado.

Shaeffer said the downtown Windsor restaurant, 406 Main St., is proud to participate in the fundraiser each year. Last year, Chimney Park raised $22,000 in one night for the food banks in an event inspired by the 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting competition.

“The staff and I were very proud to volunteer our time and restaurant for an event that was so effective in fundraising for our community,” Shaeffer said.

Sommelier and manager James Gurley added: “It’s a rare treat that we get to open and taste this many world class wines side by side. What a great avenue to raise money for the food banks.”

Shaeffer said Chimney Park Restaurant and Bar applies a straightforward approach to fine cuisine, serving a menu that reflects seasonality and features locally produced food and an award-winning wine list in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Chimney Park Restaurant and Bar is open for dinner nightly beginning at 4 p.m.